If you’re only as a good as your last match, then not many of the Newcastle United side which started the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City can feel too comfortable about their place in team this weekend. In reality, that’s far from the case – and rightly so after an otherwise impressive few months for the Magpies.
And yet, while there is plenty to be positive about right now, Eddie Howe knows he cannot afford another home slip up when Nottingham Forest arrive at St James’ Park on Sunday. Losing to an in-form Bournemouth and at Manchester City is one thing, even if the performances were alarmingly poor, but the 2-1 defeat to Fulham has been somewhat overshadowed by the Carabao Cup success against Arsenal which followed a few days later.
It’s all about fine margins, and those setbacks will be forgotten if United get the job done against Forest – and then head to Anfield on Wednesday with renewed vigour. But does the Newcastle head coach need to make some changes to his starting XI?
There are several positions potentially in flux, with someone to step into Joelinton’s shoes in midfield the most obvious. Tino Livramento is desperate to reclaim his place at right-back, and then there is the big call in goal, where Nick Pope is ready to take over from Martin Dubravka. Our Newcastle United writers have their say on the starting XI they would pick to take on Forest.
Lee Ryder
Eddie Howe has some big calls ahead of him against Nottingham Forest but some have been made for him because of injuries. Defensively had Sven Botman been fit, I think we could quite easily have seen Fabian Schar benched or a change of system.
In midfield I think there will also be some tweaks but even in that front three it is hard to see where Eddie goes despite poor shows from Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy at Man City. A decision will also have to be made at right-back too with Kieran Trippier not looking himself at the Etihad Stadium and Tino Livramento arguably taking his chance.
As far as the engine room is concerned, I think Sean Longstaff would be a suitable call to come in for Joe Willock.
A change of goalkeeper? A big call, that was Martin Dubravka’s first dip in weeks but he won’t be able to afford another game like that if he wants to be between the posts at Wembley.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Longstaff, Bruno, Tonali, Gordon, Murphy, Isak
Ciaran Kelly
Eddie Howe could have easily made eight or nine substitutions at half-time against Manchester City, if the rules allowed it, but I can’t see there being wholesale changes on Sunday. In truth, Newcastle do not have a plethora of options in reserve and it is up to some familiar names to make amends.
There are three big calls for me: who starts in goal, who lines up at right-back and who slots in alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the middle of the park. Martin Dubravka has conceded 11 goals in his last four games, but Newcastle have to defend better as a unit so I would stick with the veteran. For now.
Tino Livramento, however, comes back in at right-back while I would also hand Lewis Miley a rare start after his impressive cameo at the Etihad.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Miley, Bruno, Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Aaron Stokes
Only a few starting spots are up for grabs in Eddie Howe’s starting XI, which makes this a tad easier. Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak to start in attack, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are nailed on in the middle and Lewis Hall, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn will get the nod in defence.
It’s probably a controversial take given such a drubbing last weekend but I’d continue with Martin Dubravka in between the sticks despite sections of the fanbase clamouring for Nick Pope’s return. I’ll go the opposite way and bring Tino Livramento in from the cold to replace Kieran Trippier at right-back.
In the middle of the park I think it’s time to unleash Lewis Miley. He’s massively impressed in recent cameo appearances and has earned a shot at a run of games in Joelinton’s absence.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno, Miley; Murphy, Gordon, Isak
Ross Gregory
If the options weren’t so limited, there would be a few players nervously glancing at the teamsheet when it gets pinned on the dressing room wall a couple of hours before kick-off. If that’s still a thing! I’m looking at you, Bruno…
The Brazilian’s form hasn’t been up to his high standards recently but with so few options – and the absolute class of the guy anyhow – he gets a reprieve in my team but Newcastle need him, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon to be right at it against Forest.
At the back, I’d bring Nick Pope back in and start Tino Livramento at right-back to counter the explosive pace Forest possess. And in midfield, I think this is the game for Sean Longstaff’s return. As big an admirer as I am of Lewis Miley, this game needs physicality, legs, energy, protection for the back four and a bit of experience.
One curve ball though. I wouldn’t be opposed to a tweak to an old school 4-4-2 if things don’t start well and bring in Callum Wilson alongside Alexander Isak.
Starting XI: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Longstaff, Tonali, Guimaraes, Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Stuart Jamieson
It’s time for Howe to get ruthless. Newcastle haven’t been quite at it when it comes to Premier League performances in recent weeks and something needs to change. We’re not talking drastic decisions, just tweaks to keep everyone on their toes. For starters, if Nick Pope is your No 1 keeper then he needs to start, as much as I admire Martin Dubravka.
It’s the same for Tino Livramento at right-back. Yes, he had a few below-par performances, but he’s not going to improve sat on the bench. In midfield, I don’t see why Joe Willock got the nod over Lewis Miley last weekend, and that should be rectified tomorrow.
Starting XI: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Miley, Murphy, Gordon, Isak.
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